The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Reproducing a Running Board Safety Tread Plate?

Gotum question about Running Board Safety Tread Plates for the AD trucks. In the Salesmen’s Truck Data Book they are shown as a Truck Accessory. Jim Carter sells a reproduction of them as shown in a sketch on page 133 item MS122. Has anyone ever bought these and can you describe exactly what you got? Are they simply a 9”x12” sheet metal plate with the edge rolled over and non-slip stair tread covering glued to it? Are they Steel, Aluminum or Platinum? How are they fastened to the running board? Screws, studs or glued? Is there a cushion under them? Are they edged with any sort of a band like the original ones appear to be?
And finally, would it be possible to make them your self if you are at all handy with your hands and have the shop facilities?
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

I've used them on two trucks that i've built. They really save the paint on the running boards. They are made of light weight sheet metal, but still are strong enough for the meant purpose. They are attached by about 9 threaded pegs that come down from the backside. You must drill your running board EXACT to match the pattern of the tread plate. What i did was put some white out on the tip of every peg and while it was still wet, set it down on the running board to make the mark for your drill holes.
There is no padding. I guess you can make your own, if you can roll the edge like the ones that are available. I think the top is nothing more than emerycloth. If you want a couple of pictures, let me know and i can send them within a few days. I can't take a picture of the backside, but i'll shoot the top for you. Cecil.........

Thanks Cecil, that’s kind of what I had envisioned, something like 20ga with 10-24 studs tacked to the bottom. I think you can get the non-slip stair tread material in sheet at the hardware stores, I know I have seen the 1” wide strips there.
I’m a little reluctant to drill a bunch of holes in a pristine running board and have considered just repainting the step when some of the paint starts getting worn off since she’s not for show.
Was there an edging of some sort around the outside???
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Why not apply the nonskid to the raised ribs on the step with adhesive? Replace as needed and no holes in the board.
dg

Because the strips wouldn't have been originally
offered as a Chevy accesory in 1950.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Denny a better idea then the taped nonskid would be to buy the nonskid paint, and paint your home made plate with it. i will have to look around but i know i have seen the paint we use it at the shop i work at. will get back to you soon Later Earl

That's another idea Earl, never thought of that. I've used silica mixed in to the floor paints before, don't think it has the same look as the original did. The adhesive backed sheets do have a "emerycloth" or sand paper apperance like Jimmy mentioned and that appears to be what the original illistration looked like. I'd still would like to hear you report on the paint you used.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Denny, I have a pair I haven't put on the truck yet. I can send you any pictures you'd like of them. To answer one of your questions, yes, there is a raised, curved edge around them.

Thanks for the offer Tom, but I believe I have a pretty good handle on the way they are made. The only questions I have left would be the thickness, and dimentions. If ya had those, that might help.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL